Meryll Soriano threw a simple birthday celebration at Cops and Robbers in Greenhills, San Juan, for her son Elijah, who's turning 9 on August 27. Also present at the party were Elijah's half-brother Isaiah and his mom Jerika Ejercito, Jake Ejercito and Ellie Eigenmann, their cousin Erika Hocson, her husband Urbandub vocalist Gabby Alipe, and their son Kobi. "Family" -- that's what actress and mom Meryll Soriano captioned a photo of her, Elijah, Jerika, and Isaiah which she posted on Instagram. The two moms, who have sons with actor Bernard Palanca, also exchanged messages of support over Instagram. Happy birthday, Elijah! (pep.ph)

3. Joseph Schooling defends Pinay nanny"I think whoever said that should be shot. That’s stupid. You know that really pissed me off. That’s not true at all," the Olympic gold medalist said about comments on his Filipina nanny riding on his fame and success. Joseph said he was also disappointed at the accusations people are throwing at Auntie Yolly, who took care of him since he was 9 years old, after a commercial they made together for a Singapore telecom company resurfaced after he won gold in the Rio Olympics. In an exclusive video interview with Jessica Soho aired on the GMA 7 news show State of the Nation, he said, "Auntie Yolly, she’s like my mom. My second mom. And when my mom was at work, Auntie Yolly always takes [sic] care of me, and it’s great." (pep.ph)

The award-winning author will release a collection of short stories that would take readers deeper into the "dark side" of the wizarding world. The online books were developed by Pottermore Presents as reading supplements to the seven-book series. OfPower, Politics and Pesky Poltergeists gives readers a glimpse into Professor Dolores Umbridge, the relationship between Professor Horace Slughorn and Voldemort as a student, and a history of the Azkaban prison. OfHeroism, Hardship and Dangerous Hobbies gives more insight into the characters of professors Minerva McGonagall and Remus Lupin. Hogwarts: An Incomplete and Unreliable Guide focuses on secrets behind the walls of the wizarding school. Each book is about 10,000 words-long and will be released on September 6 on Pottermore.com. (time.com)

5. Johnny Depp and Amber Heard settle divorceThe former couple confirmed that they already reached an out-of-court settlement for the dissolution of their marriage. This comes after alleged photos and videos of the couple's fights surfaced which could affect the already-dropped domestic violence charges Amber filed against Johnny. Their joint statement read: "Our relationship was intensely passionate and at times volatile, but always bound by love. Neither party has made false accusations for financial gain. There was never any intent of physical or emotional harm. Amber wishes the best for Johnny in the future. Amber will be donating financial proceeds from the divorce to a charity." A report said the settlement involved Johnny having to pay Amber $7 million. (people.com)